The WTS South Florida Chapter is excited to announce our special guests for the 2026 WTS South Florida Scholarships & Awards Gala! Join us as transportation professionals, leaders, industry partners, students, and supporters come together to celebrate the next generation of talent shaping the future of transportation in South Florida.
We are honored to welcome:
- Joy Cooper, Mayor, City of Hallandale Beach
- Heidi Solaun, PE, Director of Transportation Development, Florida Department of Transportation – District 6
- Melissa Ackert, PE, Assistant Director, Palm Beach County Traffic Division
- Stacy Miller, PE, Director/CEO, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW)
- Wendy Conforme, PE, CEO, PortMiami Tunnel
Their leadership, insight, and commitment to advancing women in transportation will make this an especially meaningful evening as we recognize outstanding scholarship recipients and award honorees.
2026 WTS South Florida Recognition Awards
Congratulations to the outstanding individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are advancing transportation and amplifying the WTS mission.
- Member of the Year Award: Mayren Franco, NIGP-CPP, CPPO (Program Controls Team Lead, HNTB Corporation)
- Woman of the Year Award: Loraine Cargill, AICP (Director of Strategic Planning/EEO Officer, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority – SFRTA)
- Employer of the Year Award: HNTB Corporation
- Innovative Transportation Solutions Award: Orianna Caschetta, M.A. (GIS District Coordinator, Florida Department of Transportation – District 6)
- Educator of the Year Award: Mohammed Hadi, Ph.D., PE (Professor and Director, Lehman Center for Transportation Research - Florida International University)
- Honorable Ray LaHood Award: Secretary Daniel Iglesias, PE (District Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation – District 6)
- Workforce Development Excellence Award: Florida Department of Transportation District 4
The 2026 WTS South Florida Scholarships & Awards Gala is the Chapter's signature celebration of excellence in transportation—an evening dedicated to recognizing accomplished leaders, honoring rising stars, and investing in the students who represent the future of the industry. Hosted by the WTS South Florida Chapter, the gala brings together members, industry partners, sponsors, and guests for a night that reflects the heart of the Chapter's mission: advancing both the profession and the women who drive it forward.
Ticket Pricing:
WTS Members Ticket: $175 (Early Bird Rate until 10/15/26) / $200 (Regular Rate after 10/15/26)
Non-Members Ticket: $225 (Early Bird Rate until 10/15/26) / $250 (Regular Rate after 10/15/26)
Government Ticket: $175 (Early Bird Rate until 10/15/26) / $200 (Regular Rate after 10/15/26)
Secure your Ticket Here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-wts-south-florida-scholarshi…
Please note that the discounted registration rate is reserved for current WTS members. You can renew or join today to take advantage of member pricing and other benefits. To complete your membership and payment, visit:
Link: https://www.wtsinternational.org/home/membership (please select "WTS South Florida" as your home chapter)
If you run into any issues or need assistance, please contact Kelsey Watson at [email protected].
Member Portal login: Homepage | WTS
Parking Information:
- Self-Parking: Complimentary
- Valet: $25 event rate
For the Hotel Reservations:
Through this website you can book, modify or cancel your hotel reservations at any time and receive updated information about the event.
Link: Home | Gulfstream Casino
**Please select the "Gulfstream Park Corporate Rate" when making reservations**
Event Partnership Opportunities
Your sponsorship fuels scholarships and industry advancement. We appreciate your generosity and continued support. Please review the event partnership opportunities for this year's Scholarships & Awards Gala.
For sponsorship coordination, complimentary registration, and payment details (including alternative payment methods), please contact Mayren Franco (WTS South Florida Sponsorship Committee Chair) at [email protected]